News & Announcement
First Stakeholder Meeting on Traffic Management and Mobility Resilience Strategy Held in Mangan
Mangan, August 19 (IPR): The first stakeholder meeting on Traffic Management and Mobility Resilience Strategy (TMRS) for the upcoming peak tourist season was organised by the Mangan District Police in collaboration with the District Administration at the Election Hall, DAC Mangan, today.
The programme commenced with the offering of khadas to the Chief Guest, DC Mangan, Mr Anant Jain, followed by the welcome address by ASP Mangan, Mr Bijoy Subba. He highlighted the major traffic challenges likely to arise during the peak tourist season and called upon all stakeholders to contribute practical suggestions and strengthen coordination for effective traffic and mobility management.
Addressing the gathering, DC Mangan, Mr Anant Jain, highlighted the need for planning and coordinated action at critical road stretches. He apprised the gathering of the latest developments concerning the Taram Chu road and stressed the identification and prioritisation of major choke points. Appreciating the initiative of the Mangan District Police, he suggested preparing sector-wise road maps in coordination with road agencies for effective monitoring and integration with the proposed Traffic Command and Coordination Centre.
The District Collector also emphasised better management of the Integrated Online Permit System and appropriate timing regulations for heavy vehicles during the peak season to avoid conflict with tourist and light-vehicle movement. He called for identification of suitable parking and vehicle-holding areas at Lachen and Lachung in coordination with Pipons and the Administration. He further stressed the need to make existing roadside washroom facilities functional through coordination with Ward Panchayats, noting that user charges could be considered for their sustainable operation and maintenance.
The DC also highlighted the importance of professional and responsible conduct by tourist vehicle drivers to ensure a safe experience for visitors. Recalling the natural calamities of the past three years, particularly in Lachen and Lachung, he appreciated the collective efforts of the Dzumsa, local communities and the administration in evacuating stranded tourists and drivers. He urged all stakeholders to maintain the same spirit of cooperation in traffic management and emergency response. He further emphasised that the RUMI-S application should be made simple and accessible for effective public use.
Addressing the meeting, Superintendent of Police, Mangan District, Mr Rinzing Chopel Rai, emphasised the importance of establishing a unified mobility ecosystem involving all stakeholders. Referring to W.P. (PIL) No. 06 of 2026 concerning tourism infrastructure and traffic management in Sikkim, he stressed the need to shift from reactive responses to preventive and proactive mobility management.
He outlined the objectives of the TMRS, including smooth and safe tourist movement, reduction of congestion on vulnerable stretches, regulation of heavy and commercial vehicles, establishment of parking and vehicle-holding mechanisms, protection of emergency access and improved coordination during landslides, accidents, blockages and diversions.
During the meeting, detailed presentations on the Traffic Management and Mobility Plan were subsequently made by the SHOs of Chungthang, Lachen, Phodong, Lachung and Mangan, covering jurisdiction-wise congestion points, vulnerable road stretches, major challenges and proposed management measures.
SHO Chungthang, Mr D.P. Limboo, highlighted congestion-prone locations around the old Toong Check Post, ADMH Pegong, Toong Check Post and the Shipgyer-Saffu-Sankalang road. He pointed out that narrow roads, landslides, road-cutting activities, inadequate parking and traffic diversions frequently affect smooth movement in these areas.
Representing Lachen Police Station, ASI C.B. Bhujel highlighted the limitations of NH-310A towards Gurudongmar Lake and Thangu Valley, where the narrow single-lane carriageway makes the movement and crossing of heavy vehicles difficult. Major congestion-prone locations identified included Chaten, Lachen Check Post, Lachen Bazaar, Thangu Higher Secondary School area, Thangu Valley and Zema-I.
SHO Phodong, PI Vicky Sundas, highlighted congestion near the North Sikkim Bridge and Seven Sisters Waterfalls, where heavy tourist movement and roadside parking frequently reduce the available carriageway. The need for continuous monitoring of vulnerable stretches during the monsoon was also emphasised.
SHO Lachung, PI Tilok Chettri, presented the traffic situation in the Lachung sector, covering major tourist destinations including Yumthang, Yumesamdong, Zero Point and Shiv Mandir. Congestion-prone locations identified included Bheuma Waterfall, SBI Singring, Sharchok Bridge–Lachung Monastery stretch, Upper Fakha, Y-Junction, Lachung Chu Bridge, Shiv Mandir, Zero Point and Yumesamdong.
The presentation highlighted narrow and single-lane roads, heavy tourist inflow, inadequate parking, roadside stopping for sightseeing and photography, heavy-vehicle movement, adverse weather, snowfall, black ice, vehicle breakdowns and restricted road widths at bridges and bends as major causes of congestion.
The Lachung Police also shared details of major incidents experienced in recent years, including the 2024 and 2025 landslides and road blockages that stranded large numbers of tourists and required coordinated evacuation efforts. Vulnerable stretches around Bop Waterfall, Maltin, Namdasa, Phooni, Poom and avalanche-prone areas between Lachung, Yumthang and Zero Point were also highlighted.
SHO Mangan, PI Prashant Rai, presented the district-level Traffic Management and Mobility Plan, stating that the significant increase in tourist and vehicular movement during the peak season places considerable pressure on the district’s narrow and mountainous road network. Critical locations such as Zero-Rangrang, Saffu-Shipgyer Road and Toong-Naga Road were highlighted, along with the need for better vehicle holding, parking, traffic regulation and emergency response.
The presentation also emphasised responsible driving, adherence to prescribed travel timings, proper vehicle maintenance and cooperation with traffic personnel. It was stressed that vehicle breakdowns, speeding, unsafe roadside parking and stopping at vulnerable locations for photography can significantly increase congestion and safety risks.
Assistant Director, IT, Mr Muksam Limboo, presented the Road Updates Management and Information System (RUMI-S), describing it as an important step towards integrated disaster management and real-time road information. The proposed system will provide verified road-condition updates through an interactive map, including road closures, incidents, GPS-based locations, photographs, travel advisories and alternative routes. It will also facilitate coordination among citizens, disaster-management officials, line departments, GREF/BRO and the Police.
The proposed Traffic Command and Coordination Architecture will use real-time information on road conditions, congestion, landslides, diversions, construction activities and weather conditions to support location-specific traffic controls. The meeting also discussed a proposed “Marg Rakshak” volunteer initiative involving hotels, restaurants, local communities, taxi drivers and tour operators to support traffic guidance, tourist information and safe-driving awareness.
A phased action plan comprising a seven-day pilot, 15-day readiness phase and peak-season activation was also discussed, with the system to be reviewed and improved based on field-level experience.
The meeting concluded with an open-house discussion, during which Pipons, representatives from Army, GREF, ITBP, CRPF, BRO, Tourism Department, Motor Vehicles Department, driver associations and other stakeholders actively shared their concerns and suggestions. The discussions focused on parking, road safety, heavy-vehicle movement, tourist management, emergency response and inter-agency coordination.
The programme was moderated by SHO Mangan and PI Prashant Rai.
The vote of thanks was proposed by SHO Chungthang, Mr D.P. Limboo.
The meeting had the presence and participation of ADM Mangan Mr Pema Wangchen Namkarpa, CMO Mangan, Dr. Anita Bhutia, RTO Mangan Mr Tempa Bhutia, Pipons, Representatives of the Army, GREF, ITBP, CRPF Kalingpong, BRO and SDRF, Driver associations, Heads of Offices of various line departments, SHOs and police personnel and officials and staff of DAC Mangan.
The programme commenced with the offering of khadas to the Chief Guest, DC Mangan, Mr Anant Jain, followed by the welcome address by ASP Mangan, Mr Bijoy Subba. He highlighted the major traffic challenges likely to arise during the peak tourist season and called upon all stakeholders to contribute practical suggestions and strengthen coordination for effective traffic and mobility management.
Addressing the gathering, DC Mangan, Mr Anant Jain, highlighted the need for planning and coordinated action at critical road stretches. He apprised the gathering of the latest developments concerning the Taram Chu road and stressed the identification and prioritisation of major choke points. Appreciating the initiative of the Mangan District Police, he suggested preparing sector-wise road maps in coordination with road agencies for effective monitoring and integration with the proposed Traffic Command and Coordination Centre.
The District Collector also emphasised better management of the Integrated Online Permit System and appropriate timing regulations for heavy vehicles during the peak season to avoid conflict with tourist and light-vehicle movement. He called for identification of suitable parking and vehicle-holding areas at Lachen and Lachung in coordination with Pipons and the Administration. He further stressed the need to make existing roadside washroom facilities functional through coordination with Ward Panchayats, noting that user charges could be considered for their sustainable operation and maintenance.
The DC also highlighted the importance of professional and responsible conduct by tourist vehicle drivers to ensure a safe experience for visitors. Recalling the natural calamities of the past three years, particularly in Lachen and Lachung, he appreciated the collective efforts of the Dzumsa, local communities and the administration in evacuating stranded tourists and drivers. He urged all stakeholders to maintain the same spirit of cooperation in traffic management and emergency response. He further emphasised that the RUMI-S application should be made simple and accessible for effective public use.
Addressing the meeting, Superintendent of Police, Mangan District, Mr Rinzing Chopel Rai, emphasised the importance of establishing a unified mobility ecosystem involving all stakeholders. Referring to W.P. (PIL) No. 06 of 2026 concerning tourism infrastructure and traffic management in Sikkim, he stressed the need to shift from reactive responses to preventive and proactive mobility management.
He outlined the objectives of the TMRS, including smooth and safe tourist movement, reduction of congestion on vulnerable stretches, regulation of heavy and commercial vehicles, establishment of parking and vehicle-holding mechanisms, protection of emergency access and improved coordination during landslides, accidents, blockages and diversions.
During the meeting, detailed presentations on the Traffic Management and Mobility Plan were subsequently made by the SHOs of Chungthang, Lachen, Phodong, Lachung and Mangan, covering jurisdiction-wise congestion points, vulnerable road stretches, major challenges and proposed management measures.
SHO Chungthang, Mr D.P. Limboo, highlighted congestion-prone locations around the old Toong Check Post, ADMH Pegong, Toong Check Post and the Shipgyer-Saffu-Sankalang road. He pointed out that narrow roads, landslides, road-cutting activities, inadequate parking and traffic diversions frequently affect smooth movement in these areas.
Representing Lachen Police Station, ASI C.B. Bhujel highlighted the limitations of NH-310A towards Gurudongmar Lake and Thangu Valley, where the narrow single-lane carriageway makes the movement and crossing of heavy vehicles difficult. Major congestion-prone locations identified included Chaten, Lachen Check Post, Lachen Bazaar, Thangu Higher Secondary School area, Thangu Valley and Zema-I.
SHO Phodong, PI Vicky Sundas, highlighted congestion near the North Sikkim Bridge and Seven Sisters Waterfalls, where heavy tourist movement and roadside parking frequently reduce the available carriageway. The need for continuous monitoring of vulnerable stretches during the monsoon was also emphasised.
SHO Lachung, PI Tilok Chettri, presented the traffic situation in the Lachung sector, covering major tourist destinations including Yumthang, Yumesamdong, Zero Point and Shiv Mandir. Congestion-prone locations identified included Bheuma Waterfall, SBI Singring, Sharchok Bridge–Lachung Monastery stretch, Upper Fakha, Y-Junction, Lachung Chu Bridge, Shiv Mandir, Zero Point and Yumesamdong.
The presentation highlighted narrow and single-lane roads, heavy tourist inflow, inadequate parking, roadside stopping for sightseeing and photography, heavy-vehicle movement, adverse weather, snowfall, black ice, vehicle breakdowns and restricted road widths at bridges and bends as major causes of congestion.
The Lachung Police also shared details of major incidents experienced in recent years, including the 2024 and 2025 landslides and road blockages that stranded large numbers of tourists and required coordinated evacuation efforts. Vulnerable stretches around Bop Waterfall, Maltin, Namdasa, Phooni, Poom and avalanche-prone areas between Lachung, Yumthang and Zero Point were also highlighted.
SHO Mangan, PI Prashant Rai, presented the district-level Traffic Management and Mobility Plan, stating that the significant increase in tourist and vehicular movement during the peak season places considerable pressure on the district’s narrow and mountainous road network. Critical locations such as Zero-Rangrang, Saffu-Shipgyer Road and Toong-Naga Road were highlighted, along with the need for better vehicle holding, parking, traffic regulation and emergency response.
The presentation also emphasised responsible driving, adherence to prescribed travel timings, proper vehicle maintenance and cooperation with traffic personnel. It was stressed that vehicle breakdowns, speeding, unsafe roadside parking and stopping at vulnerable locations for photography can significantly increase congestion and safety risks.
Assistant Director, IT, Mr Muksam Limboo, presented the Road Updates Management and Information System (RUMI-S), describing it as an important step towards integrated disaster management and real-time road information. The proposed system will provide verified road-condition updates through an interactive map, including road closures, incidents, GPS-based locations, photographs, travel advisories and alternative routes. It will also facilitate coordination among citizens, disaster-management officials, line departments, GREF/BRO and the Police.
The proposed Traffic Command and Coordination Architecture will use real-time information on road conditions, congestion, landslides, diversions, construction activities and weather conditions to support location-specific traffic controls. The meeting also discussed a proposed “Marg Rakshak” volunteer initiative involving hotels, restaurants, local communities, taxi drivers and tour operators to support traffic guidance, tourist information and safe-driving awareness.
A phased action plan comprising a seven-day pilot, 15-day readiness phase and peak-season activation was also discussed, with the system to be reviewed and improved based on field-level experience.
The meeting concluded with an open-house discussion, during which Pipons, representatives from Army, GREF, ITBP, CRPF, BRO, Tourism Department, Motor Vehicles Department, driver associations and other stakeholders actively shared their concerns and suggestions. The discussions focused on parking, road safety, heavy-vehicle movement, tourist management, emergency response and inter-agency coordination.
The programme was moderated by SHO Mangan and PI Prashant Rai.
The vote of thanks was proposed by SHO Chungthang, Mr D.P. Limboo.
The meeting had the presence and participation of ADM Mangan Mr Pema Wangchen Namkarpa, CMO Mangan, Dr. Anita Bhutia, RTO Mangan Mr Tempa Bhutia, Pipons, Representatives of the Army, GREF, ITBP, CRPF Kalingpong, BRO and SDRF, Driver associations, Heads of Offices of various line departments, SHOs and police personnel and officials and staff of DAC Mangan.
